SH Spotlight I'm asked stuff: Favorite mastering engineer, best BOSTON CD, best TRAVELING WILBURYS CD, etc..

What do you think of the 2004 CD remasters that were flat transfers of the EQ'ed LP masters (a choice on their part to match the original vinyl)? These the ones to get?

 

I spent a Saturday afternoon awhile back reading what seemed like 1000 pages devoted to the song "A Hard Day's Night". A lot of moaning about the remasters having some issue with the opening chord, and then there was a lot of discussion about tube vs. solid stage, warm vs. clinical, etc.... It just kept going, and it seemed like some tempers were flaring. My question to you...….Do you ever read any of those type of threads for entertainment purposes? Maybe a good head shake or two? Are there any threads (no member names need to be mentioned) that you've gotten a lot of sinister enjoyment out of?

I know that you are an audiophile, but you seem to have a great deal of common sense when it comes to listening to music and deciding what you like or don't like. I find that in itself admirable.

 

Wooo ... this is a luxury job (always dream of something like that, really). Life took me on other paths.
This must have been a great experience, something you do not forget

 

How often do you use a first pressing (LP or CD) copy of an album as a reference when working on a remastering project?

 

Why do Audiophile CD reissues cost so much more than a standard reissue?

 

Steve, are you a music book reader? I especially enjoy books on classic rock that include some nuts and bolts on the recording and even mastering process. Richie Unteberger as an example goes there in his work.

I am waiting for Kenney Jones and Roger Daltrey book releases, should be interesting views on some great bands and these guys somewhat uncomfortable crossing of paths in The Who.

 

I love to hear stories as to what great lengths you went to to find the actual master tape. If memory serves me, wasn't Jethro Tull's Aqualung master tape in Ian Anderson's barn?! Lol. Can you share some adventure stories on the craziest places actual tapes were found? And sadly, some tapes are still MIA like Steely Dan masters.

 

!?
Is this photo correct? You are a LEFTY!!!!

 

Recently graduated high school, and thinking about my future. I'd love to get into your field of work. Is there any advice you have with regards to breaking into this industry? Considering there's no field of study or degree that qualifies one for a job like this, does it really come down to being at the right place, at the right time, and knowing the right people?

 

Nice to see some fellow fans out there.
Thought I was the only one...

 

Can't find a damn thing...
The Attic - Jethro Tull

Steve Hoffman, Part 2

 

Licensing costs are just one factor. The cost of the production itself - the graphic design, mastering time, etc. costs money, plus there are makeready costs involved in setting up the manufacturing of the cover and disc. A major label release with wide distribution and a large pressing run is able to absorb those costs a lot better than a limited edition pressing of a few thousand copies, hence a higher price tag for the consumer.

 

What's the best food for a mastering engineer?

 

The big clock gives it away; it's in the correct orientation.

 

The important question...How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail...best version.

 

It is too bad that Barbra Streisand's team went for the No-Noised sound of other engijeer

Patti Page's Golden Hits CD on Mercury or the Patti Page Collection 2 CD series, also on Mercury are what to get.